Confused

[WOO5IE]

Hi All

Just a bit confused. I have always loved the TVR marque and I have been considering getting one at last, in fact I am due to go and test drive a Chim this weekend. I have spent a good deal of time reseaching and reading all your guys issues and replies, and I have to say how ipmressed I am with the knowledge and friendliness that comes across.

Although I have worked over the years on most of my cars , more of a necessity than choice I have enjoyed some of the moments when it hasnt rained or been too cold. ( now a wimp)

I am still not sure whether to get a Chim as I dont want to spend too many hours working on it altough I woudnt mind the odd occasion. I am looking forward to test diving one but with a high level of intrepidation of actually owning one. The rust issue scares me more that the mechanicals.

I should be looking and test driving a 4.0 year 2000 with 25k over the weekend

I know most of you are very keen owners and I would expect for you to say go for it. I probably will but I suppose I need some reassurance.

Thanks

Trev

[V8 GRF]

Don't be put off as long as you inspect the car amd find a good one rust need not be an issue. The out riggers are the main problems as they catch muck and rubbish in the corners of the front and rear wheel arches and thus allow rust to get a grip if they're not cleaned out. Problems in these areas are easy to see and if you look carefully there should be no surprises.

I assume you have a Steve Heath's Griffith and Chimaera book referred to as 'The Bible'? if not you really need to buy a copy to give you a good grounding in what you're looking for. Link here

[Zippee]

Where about are you based? Would be happy to go through ownership and general problems/myths of the cars one weekend if you're close by.....

The Chim is pretty reliable and the rust only a problem on cars that haven't been properly cared for. Mines done 54k, the chassis is near perfect and in 20'000 miles of my owenership it's let me down twice, once with a broken clutch and once with a blown 69pence fuse.

[jev]

Had mine 5 years and only let me down once - a flat battery - can happen on any car.

It needs a good annual service (or every 6000) which can be quite pricey. If you give it sufficient TLC then with a 2000 car there is a fair chance it won't need to see a garage in-between.

Get a copy of 'the Bible' - which should give you a good idea or what you can and cannot do yourself.

Definitely go for it

[MJW1977]

I was equally as uncertain, as I'm no mechanic and had heard many many horror stories. I put up a similar post 4 months or so ago and was encouraged by all the positive feedback. So much so I went ahead and made the leap, buying a 99 Chim 400 from a former main dealer. OK, it wasn't the cheapest but I certainly didn't pay over the top and got some sort of peace of mind with a 6 mth warranty.

Have to say I haven't looked back - done around 3k miles since then, including some long and many short drives and to date there has been no problems whatsoever.

Really glad I made the purchase, and to re-itterate what everyone will tell you - do your homework, think about getting someone to look over it (I used Rob Ingleby) and dont buy the 1st you see.

Believe me its worth it...

[snorky]

BUY IT you're a long time dead. Over 4 years the only things I've had to do is change the exhaust manifold gaskets and the ign amp - cost - about £70. More reliable than my eurobox.

[WazzaL]

Mine is my primary mode of transport, so need it to get where ever I need to get to.

When looking into it I had the same beliefs as you have now. In the last year, I have not had any problems due to the apparent unreliability of a TVR. As these cars are no longer brand new, the original problems most have experienced have been sorted out and are now, a solid little car.

As others have said, make sure that the car has been looked after.

They are great fun, and if you are anything like the rest of us, one go in the Chim and you won't want to be anywhere else.

Have a good test drive!